4th A220-371, operated by Smartwings. Czech Airlines’ Airbus A220-300 fleet is part of a strategic revival led by Smartwings, which owns and operates the aircraft under the Czech Airlines brand following CSA’s restructuring and operational merger in late 2024. Smartwings ordered four Airbus A220-300s on long-term lease to modernize the Czech Airlines fleet, replacing aging A319s and A320s. The first aircraft, registered as OK-EYA, was delivered on November 21, 2024, arriving in Prague from Mirabel, Canada. It was introduced on the Prague–Paris route on November 25, 2024, and features a livery honoring Czech Airlines’ legacy, which officially ceased as a separate entity in October 2024. Although the A220s are operated by Smartwings, they retain Czech Airlines branding and are supported by a joint agreement with Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) for component support and maintenance. This ensures high reliability and performance, with dedicated stock and access to Airbus’ global pool of parts. Smartwings’ involvement is both operational and strategic: it absorbed Czech Airlines during its financial restructuring and now uses the A220s to reinforce its regional and sustainability goals. The aircraft are configured in a 149-seat all-economy layout, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, offering 25% lower fuel burn and emissions compared to previous-generation narrow body airliners.
Garuda Indonesia’s Airbus A330-343, registered PK-GPY, is flying in this vibrant Pokémon-themed special livery known as Pikachu Jet GA-2. This eye-catching design was officially unveiled on April 1, 2025, as part of a collaboration between Garuda Indonesia and The Pokémon Company. The livery features Pikachu and other iconic Pokémon characters blended with traditional Indonesian batik motifs, symbolizing a fusion of global pop culture and national heritage. The aircraft made its inaugural flight in this livery on April 2, 2025, operating flight GA402 from Jakarta to Denpasar where it pictured. This is the second Pokémon-themed aircraft in Garuda’s fleet, following the earlier Pikachu Jet GA-1 on a Boeing 737-800. The initiative is part of a broader campaign to promote Indonesian tourism and offer passengers a more engaging and culturally rich flying experience. Inside the cabin, the theme continues with Pokémon-branded inflight materials, including headrest covers, paper cups, cutlery, and even lavatory and overhead bin stickers.
